Day 6 Quotes - U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field

7/6/2016

U.S. Olympic Team Trials — Track & Field

Hayward Field, Eugene, Ore.

Athlete Quotes

Women’s hammer throw, final

Amber Campbell, first place, 74.03m/242-10

“I knew after that fifth throw that I was on the team, so I just wanted to let it rip, have some fun, and see what happened. I definitely wanted to go for the win and do the same thing I did in 2012, getting the win and the record, so I’m very excited.”

On competing on the infield:

“We never get to feel that magic being out in the back field, so to be able to be in the center at Hayward with an amazing crowd, there’s nothing like it. Maybe the Olympics, but this was awesome too.”

On making third Olympic team:“The love for the sport keeps me going. I get to wake up and chase my dream every day, and not everybody gets to say that. It means everything. I love my country. I love being able to represent my family and friends and try to compete on the highest level possible.”

Gwen Berry, second place, 73.09m/239-9

“I went as crazy as I could. I love the fact that people supported us. Thank you, Eugene, Oregon.”

On accepting a three-month ban for using an inhaler containing a prohibited substance:

“I wanted to prove to the world that I’m here because of talent and because of God, and not because of an inhaler. If I had known the ban would extend beyond the Trials, I would have fought it. But I accepted it because making the Olympic team is more important than setting an American record.”

DeAnna Price, third place, 73.09m/239-9

“I love Eugene. I always say Eugene is my home. Eugene is where I always throw the best and actually able to shine the brightest here. The weather is always great. Being able to throw on that field has been a great experience because you get all the fans.”

“When you sit there and you hear the crowd cheering your name, clapping for you, being able to sit there and soak it all in. This is such a big event. When you go to different countries there's fans everywhere. Seeing the same turnout at Hayward Field, crazy, amazing.”

“So excited that I'm able to represent for women, women who are bigger, women who are strong. Being able to put that foot in that door and say, 'Hey, I can do this. You can too.'”

Amanda Bingson, fourth place, 70.30m/230-8

“It’s not exactly what I wanted, but we’ve got a great team going to Rio. That’s why it’s called the hardest team to make. We have to show up on the day. I just had a crappy day. In the end, it’s all on me.”

Men’s hammer throw, final

Rudy Winkler, first place, 76.76m/251-10

On his winning throw in the fourth round:

“I was real nervous on my first two throws. In the fourth round, I stayed connected and stayed with it until the end.”

On not reaching the Olympic qualifying standard of 77 meters:

“I know that only 20-something people have the standard and that they might expand the field. I’m not going to worry about it too much. I’d love to go the Olympics, but I’m just starting around. I’ll be around awhile.”

Kibwe Johnson, second place, 75.11m/246-5

“The biggest key to success in the hammer is patience and time. It’s not something you can just do and then make it go far. [Winkler] is a bit of an exception because he started at a pretty good age that’s unconventional for an American to start at. Most of us don’t ever see it until college, and I was one of those kids, so it’s really exciting to see him progress.”

On failing to reach the Olympic qualifying standard of 77m:

“It’s a bit frustrating, but on the descending order list, I’m still ranked pretty well with my mark from last year. Of course you definitely want to hit that mark, but I’ll get it eventually this year. The [IAAF] will take 32 throwers, and I think I’m ranked 20, so I’m in the right spot.”

On throwing the hammer at Hayward Field:

“It was great to hear the initial planning of having the Trials at Hayward. They started talking about it last year right after our nationals, and for a year later, to see it come to fruition is pretty awesome.”

Conor McCullough, third place, 74.16m/243-4

“The first throw felt great. It was spot on, right where I wanted to be out of the gates. After that I got a little tight, so I wasn't able to get after it as much.”

“I was definitely hoping to nail the 77 [Olympic qualifying standard] here. I'm definitely in shape to do it, but I didn't pull it out. I got tight and didn't do it. It's how it goes.”

“Hayward Field and the way they set it up today was absolutely amazing. I couldn't have set it up better myself. They did an amazing job. It was perfect. The fans were amazing. The officials were all on the ball.”

A.G. Kruger, three-time Olympian, fourth place, 73.31m/240-6

“I’m probably done with my career. Thank God for giving me the chance to do this for all these years. It’s been an amazing ride. There are a lot of emotions right now, but at some point it comes to an end.”

Lance Deal, 1996 Olympic silver medalist who designed and built the cage that enabled organizers to hold the hammer events inside Hayward Field:

“What a great way to spend an off day at the Olympic Trials. It’s really rewarding to be able to help move this sport forward. I’m really, really pleased to be a part of it.”